A Burlington home sustained significant damage Monday morning in a fire that investigators say was caused by an unattended stove.
The Burlington Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 8:50 a.m. to a home at 1228 Smith Street after a passerby reported the structure on fire. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and found heavy smoke coming from the two-story residence.
The home’s occupant escaped safely before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported to the resident or emergency personnel.
Firefighters rescued three kittens and one adult cat from the home, while several other cats escaped on their own. However, four chinchillas died due to smoke inhalation.
According to the Burlington Fire Department, investigators found there were no working smoke alarms inside the residence.
The fire has been ruled accidental, with the cause determined to be an unattended stove.
The Burlington Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Burlington Police Department, DESCOM, Alliant Energy, the West Burlington Fire Department, and the American Red Cross.